How the values of agility help to accelerate from rest
Accelerating and resting may seem to oppose each other, but in reality, they reinforce one another. Rest is necessary to accelerate sustainably, and after acceleration, structured rest is again essential. Holidays or planned moments of rest, weekends, and daily sleep are structured moments of rest that help us ‘slow down to speed up’. This seems logical, but it’s not always easy. For many people, it’s challenging to step out of high gear. You’ve likely heard people say, “The vacation or weekend was too short to disconnect from work,” or “I had trouble sleeping because I was still thinking about work in my sleep.”
The reverse situation is also probably familiar: accelerating again after rest. The inbox is overflowing, meetings are piling up, and the daily routine suddenly feels all-consuming. Sometimes it seems like that restful break was just a distant dream.
How can we make the necessary transition between speeding up, resting, and speeding up again, more smoothly?
By returning to the six core values for agility:
- Together
- Learning
- Value
- Simplicity
- Fun
- Doing
Together, we can improve the transition from rest to acceleration. By consulting with colleagues and sharing tasks, we leverage each other’s strengths. No one has to do it alone; collaboration enables us to adapt quickly, inspiring and motivating one another. This applies just as much to the transition from acceleration to rest, where mutual support and agreements can make a difference.
Learning is also crucial. After a period of rest and reflection, let’s use that time to try new things. Perhaps there are better ways to tackle our tasks or new skills we can learn to perform our work more effectively. An open mindset helps us learn faster and work smarter instead of harder.
Additionally, focusing on Value is important. During the rest period, we could concentrate on what truly matters: rest, relaxation, reflection, health, and fun. Returning to the acceleration phase, we can maintain this value-oriented focus by prioritizing tasks that truly add value, avoiding unnecessary busyness and focusing on what really counts.
Maintaining Simplicity is essential. After a period of rest, work can quickly feel overwhelming. By keeping processes simple and focusing on core activities, we avoid getting bogged down in bureaucracy. A straightforward approach makes us more flexible and effective.
And let’s not forget Fun! Fun isn’t only for rest moments; it’s also part of acceleration. Humor and a positive attitude can make a big difference in maintaining momentum.
Finally, Doing. Instead of complaining about returning to routine, we can simply get started. By taking action, we set the first steps toward a productive and positive acceleration period, with a view toward the next rest moment.
Before you know it, you’re back in the “flow” of continuous acceleration.
In our book, Expedition Agility, we start with these six values for good reason. The values serve as an anchor to always return to, the foundation for our thinking and actions. In the bustle of daily life, these core values provide support and structure.
So, embrace these values for a smooth transition from rest to acceleration, and vice versa!
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